President Bola Tinubu on Thursday made his first appearance at the National Executive Council meeting of the All Progressive Congress (APC) since his inauguration as President, where he adjudged the election that brought him to power as the most credible ever in the history of Nigeria.
Tinubu said he is so convinced, despite existing legal battles in court challenging the process.
He said: “Yes, we are facing challenges in court, but I think this is the most credible election in Nigeria. So, we must congratulate ourselves. As a democrat, those who cannot accept the results of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory.”
Meanwhile, the leadership of the ruling party told President Tinubu that Nigeria is happy with him over the bold and courageous decisions he has taken so far.
Tinubu had removed fuel subsidy and floated Naira, among other key decisions. Many Nigerians have lamented widespread hardships due to the hike in petrol price, but the President had assured the public that suffering was temporary.
Tinubu, who spoke about the affairs of the party and the emergence of former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, as chairman and Senator Basiru Ajibola as National Secretary, said APC has a responsibility to promote unity, stability, and love among members.
According to him, being elected to serve is an opportunity to “fulfil your dreams and the dreams of our founding fathers.”
The President also acknowledged that there are governance issues that need to be tackled head-on.
“We are taking it head-on; we must oil the wheel, grease it, and we are. I have submitted ministerial lists to Senate for screening and approval. We are in the process of fully establishing the government of the people, for the people, and by the people.
“I can see a number of my friends here, and you have not been able to see me. It is what you all fought for to bring me here. We have governance issues, and you will not see me as often as you want to,” he stated.
Speaking further, he said Nigeria is going through challenges, which he had sufficiently addressed in his broadcast.
He said his administration is ready to re-engineer the economy of this country, adding, “Our policies are for the people, not to punish the people.”
Tinubu also digressed a little into the international political scene. He said: “I sent messages to Europe and America yesterday. To our partners, I ask, how can you handle a barking dog, a mad dog, and prevent a barking dog from eating from the plate of your enemy? We are hungry, and the continent depends on Nigeria. We need help, but not at the expense of our joy, peace, and happiness.”
He cautioned the party’s leaders about the need for a united front, stressing that the party was in their hands.
“Let us show the rest of the country that we are united for a purpose, and if we deviate from the path, posterity will not forgive us,” he said.
APC Acting National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari, in his welcome address at the meeting, commended Tinubu, telling him: “The nation is happy with you for your bold and courageous decisions.”
Kyari also added that the policies the administration pursued in the last two months had laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of Nigeria.
Kyari, who was recently nominated as a minister, congratulated the President, the Vice President and all elected party members on their election victory, describing the recent election of the Nigerian leader to the ECOWAS Chairmanship as a foreign policy triumph for Nigeria.
He promised that the party would continue to stand with President Tinubu, “no matter the complexities of the challenges ahead.”
He said the ruling party was conscious of the new challenges facing it as the majority party at the sub-national level and in the National Assembly.
Paying tribute to the founding members of the party, Kyari said the party had achieved significant milestones that have made a positive impact on Nigerians since its establishment.